After how long does a cat's belly appear? - briefly
A cat's belly typically becomes noticeable around 3-4 weeks into pregnancy, as the embryos develop and the abdomen begins to expand.
After how long does a cat's belly appear? - in detail
The appearance of a noticeable belly in a cat, particularly during pregnancy, typically becomes visible around the fifth week of gestation. Cats have a gestation period of approximately 63 to 65 days, and during the initial weeks, physical changes are minimal. However, as the pregnancy progresses, the developing kittens cause the abdomen to expand. By the fifth week, the belly begins to show a more rounded shape, and this becomes increasingly prominent in the following weeks. In non-pregnant cats, a visible belly might indicate other factors, such as weight gain, bloating, or underlying health conditions. Monitoring a cat's abdominal changes is essential, as sudden or unusual swelling should prompt a veterinary consultation to rule out potential issues. The timing and appearance of a cat's belly depend on the specific circumstances, but in the case of pregnancy, the fifth week is a reliable benchmark for noticeable changes.